Garment folding machine



Nov. 21, 1944. H. G. COOPER 2,362,976

GARMENT FOLDING MACHINE Filed March 3, 1942 r 5 Sheets-Sheet l 1'INVENTOR. H.s.coqP:-:R

ATTORNEYS Nov. 21 1944. H. G. COOPER 2,362,976

GARMENT FOLDING MACHINE Filed March 5, 1942 5 Sheets-Shee't 2 IINVENTOR.

H.G.COOPER ATTORNEYS -Nov 21, 1944. O P 2,362,976

GARMENT FOLDING MACHINE Filed March 3, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

I H.G.-COOPER ATTORNEYS Nov. 21, 1944.

FIG. 6

H. G. COOPER GARMENT FOLLDING MACHINE Filed March 3, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet4 I a In qi N N INVENTOR, BY l-LG. c OOP E 7 ATTORNEYS Nov. 21, 1944.

4 H. a. COOPER GARMENT FOLDING MACHINE Fiied March 5. 1942 I l 4 I 1'" III; a I} x' ll 1 n H I! HF I. I 11 N 1 on n n w v N (D Q 3 N n 0' II n NN N m a 2 3 Q FIG. Io

FIG.9

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 N v N s 3 N 3 N. s INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS cranks. shafts thereof are mounted on the support 9 incylinder 23. pressed air to the cylinder 23 is controlled, as will Thefolding mechanism comprises two sets of folding members. H designatesone set of right and left folding members, and I2 the other set of rightand left folding members. The shirt or garment, when initially laid bythe operator on the table with the neckband or collar in the recess 3(or with the front of the garment-facing down) is also arranged so thatthe sleeves of the garment hang down from opposite edges of the table.The folding members II are initially arranged so that they are injuxtaposition to fold,

when operated, the hanging sleeves up over the body of the shirt orgarment and over the form l into the position shown in Figure '7. Eachof the folding members H i in the general form of a crank including acrank shaft l3 and a crank pin [4 in the form of an arm or rod whichcoacts with the sleeve of the shirt or garment. There are suitablemotion transmitting means between the motor of the actuating means andthese The folding member's II or the crank suitable bearings 15. Themotion transmitting means between the motor and these cranks, in

the illustrated embodiment of the invention, concarried by the frame 6of the form 4. The portions of this crank formation, which coact withthe garment to fold the same, normallyextend in the plane of the form 4and are shiftable bodily with the form into and out of a positionflatwise over the table.

The actuating means includes a motor, and preferably a pressure-operatedmotor and a power and control system therefor. The motor is carried bythe support 9 and partakes of the pivotal or tilting movement thereof.It is here shown as of-the cylinder and piston type and comprises acylinder 23 and a piston 24 working therein, the

' piston rod 25 of which is connected to the shaft Bto rotate said shaftthrough suitable mechanism, as a rack and pinion. In the illustratedembodiment of the invention, the piston rod is formed with a rack 26meshing with a pinion 21 mounted on the shaft 8 between the endsthereof.

The :piston rod 25 is also provided witha piston 28 at the end thereofremote from the piston 24,

the piston 28 working in' a cylinder 29 alined with the cylinder 23. Thepressure face of the piston 28 is less than that of the piston 24, andthe cylinder. 29 is connected to asourc of motive fluid, as compressedair, which is in constant communication therewith, so that the piston 28acts to return the folding mechanism to its starting position, when thepressure is released from the v The flow of motive fluid or com-- behereinafter described.

The frame 6 for the form is connected to the shaft 8 through alost-motion coupling, which, i during the power operation of the shaft 8by the motor, also moves the form '4 about the axis of the shaft 8 intoa position on the garment on the table I and which also permitscontinued movement of the shaft 8 to operate the folding members H,after the form 4 isin a position flatwise on the garment on the table I.As here shown, this coupling consists of a rock arm 30, best seen inFigures 12 and 13, on the shaft 8 and having a transverse arm or pin 31coacting with the frame 6, it coacting with a nose 32 extendin to theopposite side of the axis of the frame 6 or shaft 8 from that on whichthe form 4 is located, when the form 4 and its frame 6 is. in itsstarting elevated position (Figure 1).

When the shaft 8 is actuated and rotates clockwise, said arm 3| movesaway from the nose 32; permitting the form to move by gravity flatwisedown onto the garment on the table I. As the form moves through an arcof less than 45, the arm 3| moves away from the nose 32 as the form 4moves by gravity toward and into the position, flatwise over the garmenton the table I into the position shown in Figure 13. The shaft. 8 duringrotation thereof is actuating the folding member s II.

The folding members l2 are, in this embodiment of the invention,operated by hand, and

- one in advance of the other, the operation being against the action ofreturning springs 34, these being shown as torsion springs encirclingthe shafts 2|, and each anchored at its opposite ends to a head on theshaft and to: the bearing 22 (Figure 5). Releasable means, are providedfor holding the members I2 in their operatedposition, that is, theposition shown in Figure 3.

In the illustrated embodiment of our invention, the holding means ispower operated and released when the power is released. The holdingmeans here shown frictionally holds the members l2 against returnmovement by the springs 34. The friction means illustrated consists ofbrake shoes 35, best seen in Figures 5, 6 and 11, coacting with a drumor hub 36 on the shaft 2| and each operated by a pressure-operatedmember, as a diaphragm 31 in a diaphragm chamber 38, the pressure sideof which is connected toa source of supply of compressed air, as willhereinafter be described in connection with the power system. Thediaphragm thrusts against a plunger 39 which in'turn thrusts against thebrake shoe 35.

The power system includes a main supply line 4| havingan open branchconduit 42 leading to the intake end of the cylinder 29 and a, conduitcommunicating with the intake end of the casing of a controlvalve 44 ofthe combined intake and exhaust type, this valve including a movablevalve member having a normally closed intake valve head 45 and anormally open' 'exhaust valve head 46, this valve being acted upon by aspring 41, which holds it in its normal position. In Figure 6, the valveis shown as in its operated position.

The power system also includes a conduit 48 leading from the casing ofthe valve 44 through a timer device 49 and conduit 59 to the intake endof the cylinder 23 and also'from the timer device 49 through conduits 5|and 52 to the diaphragm chamber's'38 respectively; The movable valvemember of the valve 44 is operated from I its normal position into theposition shown in Figure 6 by an operator-operated member 53, which isconnected by a rod 54 to anarm of a three-arm I rocking lever 55, onearm of which coacts with the stem 56 of the movable member of thevalve44'. This lever 55, and hence the movable valve member, is held in itsoperated position shown in Figure 6, by a pressure-operated device, as adiaphragm 51 in a chamber58, the pressure side of which is connected bya duct 59 to the interior the. BXhaHStiOf-aiP from: the diaphr mchambers .38 rand: 58,. and ,henoenthe .release of the brake shoes'35andthetexhaust of the cylinderq23 and 'the actuation. of -thepistonr-28 andthe cylinder .29, so that thespring G ls freeto. reactlto return of thevalve casing i441 Y The diaphragm-55:! acts through a-plunger or stem.60 ion anotherlarmtof :thethree-armllever 55. Thus, when :theoperat ingmember 153 isoperated, .andithe .exhaus't valve head 46 closed and the-intake-valve 'headr45 opened, the air i'n its passagethrough theicasingof the valve 44 into the'.pipe;48, also passesinto the diaphragm chamber'58 through the duct :59 and holds the-valve inits operated position;The operating member53 is here shownasialever pivoted at .Blbetweenitsends to the under-side :of the table I, and as having a head 62extending -beyond one side edge of the table and-located to be. pressedagainst by the bodyor the hipof:-the

operator. that when the operator operatesit, her hands are outof therange of movement of the folding mem- I .lberszll. v v,:Means.isprovidedforreleasing. the air from the cylinder at the end ofthe folding operation,

.this including arelease control operable by lifting of thefOrm 4 withthe shirt thereon to with- ,draw the folded shirt or garment therefrom.The release control member here shown is'a normally closed exhaustyalveforthe; diaphragm chamber 58, 63 designates thecasing of the exhaustvalve and 64 anormallyclosed exhaust -valve head, which-is pressed toclosed position by aspring, ,65, The exhaust valve casing .63 isconnected by a pipe 68 to the'pressureside of the diaphragm -.cha mber58.- The'valvehead84 has a stem 61. This exhaust valve is mounted on thetable frame in position to be engaged byan arm 68- on-the support orleaf 9 when the support is tilted, as

will be presently described. The arm 68 has a.

yieldingly mounted head 69 for pressing against the stem .61 of theexhaustvalve. Thus, the exhaust valve 64 is normally closed under theinfluence of its;spring,65 or is in the positionshown fin Figure 6,sothat upon operation of the operating. lever 53,.the air will flow tothe cylinder 23,

the diaphragm chambers 38,;and upon lifting of the form into theposition shown inEigure ,,the exhaust valve head 64 will be opened,permitting air to exhaust from the ,diaphragm chamber,58,z

and hence the control valve in the casing 44 to return to itsnormalposition, wherein the exhaust valve head 46 is openedand theintake valve head 45 closed. Upon this operation, the aircanexhau stback through the pipes 58,. 5| and 52, through the timer, as will bepresently described, to the outer air an'd also through pipe 48 andthrottle therein and exhaust passageof valve casing 44,permitting.thesjprings34 to .re-act and return-the foldingrnernbers totheir normal positionand the piston 28 to re-act and return through therack 26, pinion 21 and shaft 8, the

folding members H to their starting position.

The release of air from the diaphragm chambers 38 effects the release ofthe .brake shoes so that thejspring 6 returns the leaf or support 9 andframe 6 to its normal position (Figure 1) from that shown in Figure 2.When the'brake shoes 35 are applied and the form 4 lifted to the angle.v

shown in Figure ,2, for the purpose ;of re,moving the foldedigarrnenttherefrom, the form 4. is locked from pivotal movement about the shaft8. Hence, when the upward tilting force is applied 4 the form, the frame6 thrusts against :the shoulder 3| (Figure 13) ofv-therockarm 38 (Figure13), and as ,the form 4 can: not pivot about theshaft. 8,,thesupportzor. leaf 9 is til-tedabout lthe pivot l 8 ;(F i gure;2,):aridthe arm .sa actuated Jig ppm-the; exhaust ltalveiheadifill.wfl'hiss'efiects This operating headz62 is so located;

the support .or leaf .9 to theposition shown ,in Figure '1. .Also,iunder"the action of the piston-28,

the shaft 8 -.isactuated in .a retrograde direction to return thefolders tozstartingposition. 1 This operation causes the shoulder :3! ofthe rock-arm 3.0 togmove from theposition shown @in Figure 3 to thatshownin Figure 12,;and during the latterpart of this movement. whenitmoves into engagement with the nose 32,. tilts the form 4 and its frame.6 into the position. shown in Figure 1.

The elevating movement of the frameis limited by. astop S. When thegarment has been first laid on'the table handthe controlmemberjiiactuated,qthe shaft -8.-is turned, permitting the form to drop bygravity from its elevated position fiatwise on the garment on -thetable. The-form reaches its position flatwise. on the table when theshoulder 3l has,-comp 1et,ed about one-third of itsmovement from the.position shown-inFigure 1'2 to that shown in Figure 13.

Thetimer (Figure .6) includes the cylinder '49 and a piston 18 therein,-the piston rod 1 I .of which is provided with a cross-head 12 towhich-returning springs 13 are connected. The ,cylinder is provided withports arrangedto be uncovered. by the piston progressively, these portsdesignated A,

. .B and C communicating respectively with-the pipe actuate the piston24 therein, and alsoflow to position.

.150 leading to the main cylinder23 and to the diaphragm chambers .38 38respectively which operate brake shoes;.g35. The operationof the timeris of more consequence during the retrograde movement of :-the timerpiston, in order to time the releasing of the :brakeshoes-35cmsecutivelysorone ahead of the other, =in.order to preventeitherfrom obstructing theother during the return of the folders. I 2 totheir starting In additionto the. timer cylinder and piston49,

lfl the-timing means includes athrottlevalve in 36.0; is opened by "thelifting of the form. 4 with the folded shirt thereon into the.positionshown in Figure 2. 48 designates the throttle valvein the feedpipe 48 .to the cylinderof the timer... .5fi'

designates athrottle valve in the pipe 5Klleading from the port A inthetimer-to thecylinderZS. These throttles valves are check -.valves withbleeder passages orflneedlevalve controlled Ipassages therein.The'gthrottle valve .48 isqreversely arranged from valve {ill and is soarranged that the full pressure'tfiows ;only into the timer cylinder 49to actuate the Piston .10 therein, when the valve 44 is operated to openthe .air intake head 45 andclosethe exhaust valve headAS or .valve isconnected to the port A to .be first uncovered and is arranged tothrottle or cause the air to .flow slowly from the timer cylinderthroughthe pipe .50 to the vcylinder 23 to the motor. and

to exhaust back, freely. -(Dne construction ,of. the throttle valve,isiillustrated in Figured wherein the throttles-valve 15 0% iS.;5. 0W..i 2tqm throttle valve 48 is of the same construction, except that itis reversely arranged with respect to the flow of power. Each throttlevalve includes a spring-pressed check valve 500 and a by-pass or bleederpassage controlled by a needle valve 50| around the port controlled bythe check valve.

The timer cylinder 49 is provided with exhaust ports 49 at the outer endthereof. Thepipe 5| to the diaphragm chamber 38 leads from the port B ofthe timer cylinder; the pip 52 to the other diaphragm chamber 38 leadsfrom the port 0 in the timer cylinder. The pipe 50 to the cylinder 23 ofthe motor leadsfrom the first port A to be uncovered. Thus, uponthe'operation of the valve 44 to open its intake head 45 and close itsexhaust head 46, air will flow from the main line 43 through the pipe 48and throttle valve 48 therein to the timer cylinder 49, actuating thepiston therein, so that the air first passes through the pipe 50 andthrottle valve 50 to the cylinder 23. As before stated, thethrottlevalve 48 is so arranged as to open the pipe 48 to the full flowof power, and the throttle valve 58 is arranged to throttle the air inits passage to the cylinder 23. Thus, when the piston 10 uncovers theport A, the piston 24 is actuated comparatively slowly giving time forthe form 4 to come fiatwise down onto the garment before the folders IIhave traveled far enough to complete the folding of the sleeves of thegarment. This movement of the form 4 fiatwise ontothe garment alsocarries the folders l2 into position to fold before the folders II havefolded the sleeves of the garment over onto the form, and the folders[2. When the piston 10 of the timer uncovers the ports B and Cconsecutively, and applies the brake shoes consecutively, but duringfolding operation, this consecutive operation is of no consequence, butthe consecutive releasing of these brake shoes is of consequence duringthe return of the parts from folded to starting position. Upon theuncovering of the port A, the form 4 first moves from the position shownin Figure l, carrying the folders I2 therewith, and then the folders llcomplete the folding of the garment into the position shown in Figure 7.The operator then folds the folders I2 by handgone after the other, asshown in Figure 8, into the position shown in Figure 9. She then foldsthe tail portion of the i shirt from the position shown in Figure 9 tothat shown in Figure 10; applies a retaining band R, and then lifts theform with the shirt thereon into the position shown in Figure 2, andslips the folded shirt off the form. The elevating of the form 4 withthe shirt thereon into the position shown in Figure 2 opens the exhaustvalve 64, as previously described, thus causin the portsC, B on itsretrograde action, the air exhausts from the pipes 52, 5| behind thepiston 10 through the ports 49 to the outer air. When the piston on itsretrograde movement uncovers the port A, the cylinder 23 is then freedof the slow throttling exhaust action of the throttle valve 48* and canexhaust fully through the valve 50 into the timer cylinder behind thepiston 70 and out through the ports 49 The operator in folding thefolders l2 by hand applies enough force to overcome the holding frictionof the brake shoes 35.

' In the general operation, the operator arranges the shirt on the tablein the position shown in Figure 1, the cardboard 5 having been placed onthe form 4 or on the garment. She then operates the operating member 53,which opens the valve intake head of the control valve and closes theexhaust valve head 46 and the air flowing through the pipe 48 into thetimer cylinder 49, actuates the piston E0 of the timer. The air thenflows to the cylinder 23 anddiaphragm chambers 38*, 38 as described, theform 4 dropping by gravity fiatwise on the garment during the initialpart of the movement of the folders H. The flow of air to the cylinder23 is timed by the throttle valve 50*. The operator then immediatelyfolds the left and right folding members 12 by hand into the positionshown in Figures 2 and 3. She then makes any smoothing operationsnecessary and folds the tail portion of the shirt from the positionshown in Figure 9 to that shown in Figure 10.

The band R is then applied. These holding bands R arearranged in arecess 14 in the table. The operator takes hold of the ends of one ofthese bands and brings the ends up around over the shirt and fastensthem together by a pin, clip or adhesive. The operator then tilts theform 4 upwardly away from the table toward the position shown in Figure2, and while doing so, slips the folded shirt and the cardboard therein,off the form. This operation of tilting the form also tilts the supportor leaf 9 about the pivot 10 into the position shown in Figure 2, opensthe exhaust valve 64 permitting the control valve heads 45,

the control valve 54 to return to its normal position, wherein theexhaust valve head 45 is open and the exhaust valve head 45 closed,permitting the air to exhaust solely with a throttling action throughthe pipe 48 and the check or throttle valve 48 therein. However, thethrottling through the throttle valve 48 is not sufficient to releasethe pressure in the cylinder 23 and the diaphragm chambers 38 38, but isonly sufficient to permit retrograde movement of the piston 10 under theaction of the spring 13 sufficiently to uncover the ports 0, Bconsecutively effecting the release of the brake shoes 35 consecutivelyso that the folding members i2 move out of their folded positionconsecutively and do not interfere with each other during theirunfolding action. When the piston 10 uncovers.

46 to return to normal position with the intake head 45 closed and theexhaust head open, so that the parts return to their starting positionready for the next folding operation, the same being controlled or timedduring the return by the timer means including the cylinder 49 andpiston 10 and the throttle valves 48 and 50 What I claim is:

l. A garment folding machine including a table on which the garment islaid, a form pivotally mounted to shift into and out of a positionfiatwise over the table and the garment thereon, folding mechanismoperable to fold portions of the garment relatively to the form and toother portions of the garment, power mechanism for operating the foldingmechanism including means for permitting the operation of the form intoa position fiatwise over the table and the garment in advance of thefolding of the garment about the form by the folding mechanism, anoperator-operated control for effecting the operation of the powermechanism, and means operated by the movement of the form out of aposition fiatwise over the table to effect the unfolding of the foldingmechanism and the return of the form to starting position.

2. A garment folding machine including a table on which the garment islaid fiat, a form mounted to shift into and out of a positionfiatoperation" 53 of:

power mean .owisesiover -tha'table'and the garment "thereon,

foldingim'e'chanism' including tw'o' ysets of folding members flpower'i'mechanism:for" operating: :one set of foldiiiglimembersihe other setbeing i'n dependent'ly;operated; pow'erzme'chani'sm -for operatingthe-first set of *folding-fimembers and eluding": means for permitting:the' operation: of the fo'rm:'-Jin1advance-.of the "folding operation byth-lfil'st' set of folding members-"aboutnthe form; I andan?operator-operated"control for thepo'wer 1 meansgftlie independentlyoperated' s'et 'oficontrol membersbeing sniftable'with the-form'iintband out 'f -position to' operate to 'fold the garment.'-v 3 A garmentfolding machine includinga ta-' ble": n =which the garment is laid"flatfa form' mounted to shift into and out of a positionflatwis'e'=-*over thel'table and the garment thereon; foldingmechanismfin'cluding" twosets of folding members, power mechanism-foroperating one set of folding mernbers, the se'cond set being indepe'ner'itly operatedl'mean's for'retur'ning' the latter'set t'o startingposition, means for holdingthe seconwset in ope'rat'ed "position, powermocha nism for operating the one set offolding mem- -bers' andi'iricluding -means for permitting-the operation of the' formin advanceofthe folding the first gset' offolding members ab'o'u "the form; anoperator-operated control for the po'wer means, and means operated bythe shifting of the' formawa'yfrom a position' -flah wise on the table,I to control the: operation of "the "to restore thepower-"operatedifolde ing meiiitrs ano the form to startingiposition,

and r'eleas'e the holding means for the second set.

i garment folding machine including a tamotor, and a second controlmember operable by the initial lifting movement of the form with thefolded garment thereon from a position flatwise on the table to effectde-energi-zation of the motor, and means for returning the foldingmechanism and the form to their starting positions when the motor isale-energized.

- 5. A garment folding machine including a table on which the garment islaid flatwise, a form mounted to shift into and out of a positionflatwise over the table and the garment thereon, a motor, foldingmembers operable to fold portions of the garment relatively to the formand to other portions of the garment, motion transmitting meansbetweenthe motor and the folding members and the form, a power system for themotor including an operator-operated control operable to control theflow of power to the motor, and a second control member operable by'theinitial lifting movement of the form with the folded garment thereonfrom a position flatwise on the table to effect de-energization of themotor, means for returning the folding mechanism and the form to theirstarting positions, when the motor is de-energized, a support for themotor, the form, the folding members and the motion transmitting means,said support being pivotally connected to the table, and'the form beingpivotally mounted on the support on an axis parallel to and spaced fromthe pivotal axis of the support, and means tending to return thesupportito normal position, all whereby upward tilting'force applied tothe form when flatwise on theptable and the motor is energized tilts thesupport about its pivot, and connections between the. pivoted supportand the second control memher to operate it. q l

6; A, garment folding machine, including a table on which the garment islaid flatwise, a form mounted to shift into and-out of a positionflatwise over the table and the garment thereon, a motor, folding;members operable to fold portions of-e-theagarment relatively :toftheform-and to other ,portions of thegarment, motion transmitting meansbetween the; motor and the :folding membersand-Ithe form, apower-systemforlthe motorincluding an operator-operated control operable. to controltheflow ofrpo'wer to the motor, and ,a s'econdpco'ntrol member operableby the initial-lifting movement of the form with the foldedgarmenfithereori: fronr-a position flatwise on the table Ito: efiect'fdeenergization of the motor,

means for returning the folding mechanism and the form to theirstartingtpositionsya support for the motor, the form, thefoldingmembersand the". motion transmitting means, :pivotally connected:to theintableg'said motion transmitting means including ashaft"extendingzparallel to and spacedwfrom the-axis of thesupportgtheform being pivotally mounted on'theT'shaft, a connection between theshaft and the "form by. which the'r form i's' moved on its' pivotby therotation of the shaft' into andiout" of position flatwise on v the"table, whereby upward tilting force applied to theform-wher'iflatwiseon=the table and the 7 motor is energized tilts the supportabout'its pivot; and conne'ctions betweenthe pivoted supportand thecontrol member 1 tooperate it. 7. A garment folding machine includingatable on which the garment is laid flatwise, a form .m'ounted to shiftintoand out of a position flatwise over the table and the garmentthereon, a

pressure-operated motor, folding members operable to fold portions ofthe garment relatively to the form and to other portions of the garment,motion transmitting means between the motor and the folding members andthe form, a fluid "pressure system for the motor including anoperator-operated, self-returning combined intake and exhaust valvenormally arranged with the intake closed and'the exhaust open, and asecond control member consisting of a normally closed, self-closingexhaust valve, means operable by the tilting of the form with the foldedgarment thereon from a position flatwise on the table to open the secondcontrol member, and means acting on the motion transmitting mechanismtending to return the form, the motor and the folding members to theirstarting positions;

8. A garment folding machine including a table on which'the garment islaid flatwise, a form mounted to shift into and out of a positionflatwise over the table and the garment thereon, a pressure-operatedmotor, folding members operable to fold portions of the garmentrelatively to the form and to other portions of the garment, motiontransmitting means between the motor and the folding members and theform, a fluid pressure system for the motor including anoperator-operated, a first control member including a self-returningcombined intake and exhaust valve normally arranged with the intakeclosed and the exhaust open, and a second .control member consisting ofa normally closed, selfclosing exhaust valve, means operable by thetilting of the form. with the folded garment thereon from a positionfiatwise on the table to open the second control member, and meansacting on the motion transmitting mechanism tending to return the form,the motor and the folding -of folding mechanism, each includin foldingmembers, one set of folding members being normally in position to coactwith the garment, when actuated, to fold the same, and the other setoperator-operated andinitially out of position to coact with thegarment, and movable into such position by the movement of the form intoa, po-

. sitlon flatwise over the table and the garment,

actuating mechanism, and connections operated thereby for operating theform into a position flatwise over the table and operating the first setof folders, and operator-operated control means for the actuatingmechanism.

10. A garment folding machine including a table on which the garment isarranged, a, form operable to shift into and out of a position fiatwiseover the table and the garment thereon, two sets of folding mechanismincluding folding members, one set of folding members being normally inposition to coact with the garment, when actuated, to fold the same, andthe other set initially out of position to coact with the garment andmovable into such position by the movement of the form into a positionover the table and the garment, actuating mechanism, and connectionsoperated thereby for operating the form and first set of foldingmembers, and control means for the actuatingmechanism, the second set offolding members being manually operable, means tending to return them totheir starting positions, releasable holding means operated by thecontrol means for holding them in their folded positions, the controlmeans including timer means for effecting first the operation of theform and the folding operation of the first set of folding members, andthen the operation of the holding means for the operator-operatedfolding members and the return of the first set of folding members, therelease of the holding members and the return of the form in the reverseorder upon the release of the control means.

11. A garment folding machine including a table, on which the garment isarranged, a form mounted to shift into and out of a position flatwis'eover the table and the garment thereon, folding mechanism operable tofold a portion of the garment relatively to the form and the otherportions, a pressure-operated motor for operating the folding mechanismto effect the folding, and a second pressure-operated motor forreturning the folding mechanism to starting position, a power system forthe motors, the second motor being of less strength than the first motorand being in constant open communication with the 'power system,

member in the power system for controlling the an operator-operatedcontrol energization of the first motor, and a second control memberoperated by the initial movement of the form away from the table toeffect the deenergization of the first motor.

HARRY G. COOPER.

